Bethlehem Mayor Bob Donchez said this morning that recent violent incidents in the city won't go "unanswered" but didn't announce any new Musikfest police staffing plans.

Donchez said he met this morning with Police Chief Mark DiLuzio to evaluate security throughout the city. In a statement, Donchez points out the city has the majority of its police officers working Musikfest and also has assistance from various other law enforcement agencies.

"Recent incidents that have occurred in the downtown will not go unanswered," Donchez said in a statement. "Bethlehem is a very safe city and under my watch it will remain that way!"

Donchez said he is pleased by the quick police response and resolution to the multiple events that occurred this week.

Bethlehem's police staffing during Musifkest includes top leadership, detectives, bike units, mounted units, car patrols and special units in addition to the city's regular patrol shifts, Donchez said. The FBI, Northampton County Emergency Management Services, the Pennsylvania State Police Mounted Unit and the Lancaster Mounted Unit also help in Musikfest security, Donchez said.

Bethlehem City Council today also released a joint memo asking Donchez his plans for increased security in Center City.

Council's memo asks if more patrols are planned in the short and long terms and if the police believe these are isolated incidents or part of a larger public safety issue.

Council President J. William Reynolds said he found Donchez's limited response to such serious incidents lacking.

"Our residents need to be assured of both what the city is planning to do as a response and also that we still have safe neighborhoods," Reynolds, who lost a close race to Donchez in last year's Democrat primary for mayor, said. "If there's a plan, I don't think that's being effectively communicated. If people are making decisions: 'Should I go downtown? Should I go to Musikfest?' The response should be stronger."